NRCT and Thai Students’ Association in Japan Host “Mirai Catalyst Hackathon Challenge 2026” in Tokyo

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in collaboration with the Thai Students’ Association in Japan under Royal Patronage (TSAJ) and the Thai Researchers Network in Japan, organized the “Mirai Catalyst Hackathon Challenge 2026” on Sunday, 5 July 2026 at the Tokyo International Exchange Center in Tokyo, Japan, empowering Thai graduate students and researchers in Japan to connect international expertise with Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Held in commemoration of the 140th anniversary of Thailand–Japan diplomatic relations, the event brought together more than 50 master’s and doctoral researchers from leading Japanese universities, coordinated by Mr. Dom Rungruang, President of TSAJ.

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat delivered a special video keynote on “Strategic Research and Innovation Translation,” highlighting the role of overseas Thai researchers as Global Thai Talent, while Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, reaffirmed NRCT’s support in building networks and an enabling ecosystem for Thai researchers.

Designed as an intensive one-day Hackathon Learning Journey, the program featured expert coaching, interdisciplinary team ideation, business and intellectual property training, and pitching sessions, including lectures on “Thailand’s Innovation Ecosystem” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tanyanupab Anantana (Vice President, Chiang Mai University) and “Research Commercialization” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tinnakorn Pongthiya (Deputy Director, STEP, Chiang Mai University).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anak Khantachawana, Project Director, noted that Mirai Catalyst builds upon the Zero to One initiative previously conducted with Thai researchers in the UK, advancing Brain Circulation to translate global research into tangible value for Thailand.

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